Elastic construction foundation method

ABSTRACT

The structure bearing surface is artificially constructed, avoiding any foundation failures which, according to aftershock data, have already occurred resulting in cracks or even in complete rupture of joints. Anti-seismic insulation is then created by using cell cushions, whereas erosion to connecting mechanisms as well as to the primary shock-proof mechanism may be prevented by using insulators. The sand ensures stable working surface for the equal load distribution during the time required for the construction, as well as following the completion of the project. Moreover, at the time of the earthquake, the mechanical properties of the sand shall provide elasticity, enhancing the shock-proof properties of cushions, preventing at the same time the uneven load distribution on building frame. The connecting mechanisms, which are fixed on the main points of both sides of the entire project, shall provide the secure operation of shock-proof mechanism.

Method of seismic shielding for buildings and other structures mainly but not exclusively used during foundation.

Following excavations and after laying a small amount of footing mix the anti-seismic bearing surface is constructed by reinforced concrete in several modes [“ran tie” (invert) slab] or [invert beam slab] or cube and connecting beam slab]. It may be single or dividable slab with thickness and reinforcement in compliance with the static design and the dimensions and form of the building to be constructed and depending on the soil. During reinforcement composition and depending on project needs, connecting mechanisms shall be positioned, FIG. S1, between the bearing surface and the structure to be erected consisting of bundle wire rope, technically treated according to the instructions of the static design. FIG. 1 The wire features {cross-section, dimensions, wires density} may vary. The wire rope strands can be easily fixed on the horizontal and vertical reinforcement iron members, following completion thereof by means of forks made of appropriate iron.

Following concrete injection and setting, the rubber insulators in ring or cubic shape should be positioned, FIG. E1, the composition, dimensions and hardness of which vary depending on the project. FIG. 2. The remainder of the project surface must be filled by its half or up to the entire ring or cube height with cell cushions made of recycled, technically treated, old vehicle tires, FIG. E2 & FIG. E3 to the effect of utilizing raw materials, which following temporary use were useless until now, on the one hand; and on the other, for enhancing construction elasticity. FIG. 3.

Following the cushion layer, the remainder half or filling of the cells up to the final ring or cube height must be filled with sand in order to create the working surface for the construction of the building or other structure where it is always possible to employ conventional methods FIG. 4. During the reinforcement procedures of the new construction, the wire strands shall be anchored by the same method employed for anchoring to the lower slab.

A brief description of the drawings provides the following:

FIG. 1. Construction of the anti-seismic insulation bearing surface along with the base plate & the construction connecting mechanisms.

FIG. 2. Completion of the bearing surface for positioning insulators in order to protect the connecting mechanisms as well as the primary shock-proof mechanism from corrosion.

FIG. 3. Filling of the surface using the cellular cushions

FIG. 4. Filling of cells with sand in order to create a working surface for any construction type.

FIG. S1. Connecting mechanism of a bundle wire rope.

FIG. E1. Shape of insulator rubber cube or ring

FIG. E2. Shape of recycled tire cell cushion that shall cover the bearing insulation surface peripherally as well between the columns {under the beams of project to be constructed}.

FIG. E3. Shape of recycled tire cell cushions for filling the remaining space of the bearing surface.

The effectiveness of method application abuts on science.

{The strong swaying which the structure is sustaining during an earthquake is converted to vibration}.

{The resonance phenomenon shall be thus minimized}.

{The cracks or even rupture of joints, which are mainly due to the stiffness of concrete, shall be reduced to a minimum}.

{The squeaking & deafening noise created mainly by the shock shall be attenuated significantly}.

{The use of old vehicle tires shall benefit the structure without inducing contamination to the ecosystem}.

{The construction frame thickness shall be reduced as the height increases and shall therefore become lighter}.

{The artificial soil shall be definitely better than the existing soil}.

The elastic foundation method shall benefit a large number of building structures. Independent houses, 2-storey and three-storey buildings, even taller buildings may benefit from it, but it will certainly benefit schools and school complexes as well as small hotel units.

Finally, the application range depends clearly on the adoption of the method, along with the benefits arising there from, which shall compensate any financial burden that may occur, depending on the project. For a two-storey building with basement and nine supporting columns on a base plate surface of 85 m², the insulation support surface thickness as well as the insulation thickness shall be calculated, so that the method may be implemented following excavations, when the following are obtained:

1] Excavation of the overall bearing surface and at the calculated depth.

2] A small footing mix quantity is laid following which the construction of the reinforcement of one slab may begin {ran tie (invert) type slab of thickness and reinforcement as provided by the static design} At the same time the connecting mechanisms may be positioned FIG. S1 at the points of the supports to be positioned {9}, following which the shock-proof insulation surface may be completed by using concrete. FIG. 1.

3] The insulators FIG. E1 are positioned on the connecting mechanisms that protrude from the insulation bearing surface in order to protect said mechanism against erosion and provide uniform shock-proof behavior to the supports because of the compact and of relatively homogeneous stiffness insulator composition. FIG. 2.

4] On the perimeter of the insulation bearing surface and from one insulator to the other {from one strut straight to another strut} the cell cushions shall be positioned, FIG. E2, at the points where the strut bearing beams of the structure to be made shall be positioned, and there is the greatest need of uniform loading and reduced settlement.

On the remaining bearing surface and between the cushions FIG. E2, the cell cushions shall be positioned, FIG. E3, at the points where the future construction free spaces {slabs} shall be situated, the loads of which shall be minimized and the vibration tolerance increased. FIG. 3.

The bearing surface insulation layer is completed with insulators and cushions; the clearances of all cells as well as those of clearances among connecting mechanisms insulators are filled using sand in order to create a stable working surface for the commencement of the 2-storey building construction , including the basement. This will be carried out according to the construction method that would be employed without insulation, fixing the joining mechanisms in the same way they have been fixed for the construction of the insulation bearing surface. FIG. 4. 

1. Following the excavation and application of footing mix, the anti-seismic mechanism bearing surface is constructed by reinforced concrete, in several modes: “ran tie” (invert floor) or inverted beam type slab, or {slab made of cubes and connecting beams}, depending on the form and the dimensions of the construction required.
 2. During reinforcement composition and depending on the project needs, connecting mechanisms shall be positioned, FIG. S1, on the bearing surface of the structure to be made consisting of bundled wire-rope, technically treated as indicated in the instructions of the static design. FIG.
 1. 3. Following the formation of the bearing surface and the ring or cube form rubber insulators shall be positioned in the place of bundle wire-ropes, FIG. E1, the dimensions and hardness of which shall vary according to the project. FIG.
 2. 4. The remainder of the project surface must be filled by its half or up to the entire ring or cube height with cellular cushions made of recycled, technically treated old tires, FIG. E2 & FIG. E3. FIG.
 3. 5. Following cushion application, the remaining half space up to the final ring or cube height shall be filled with sand so as to create a working surface for the construction of the building, where conventional structural methods may be applied, FIG.
 4. 